An algebraic proof of the Milnor-Orlik theorem

Abstract

A well-known theorem by Milnor-Orlik provides a formula for the Milnor number of a weighted-homogeneous polynomial having an isolated singularity that depends only on the weights. In this paper we present a proof of that result using techniques from commutative algebra. Our approach is to obtain a free resolution of the Milnor algebra through the Koszul complex. The desired formula is then obtained from a Hilbert series calculation.